- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

accountability process for person accused of assault (Caroline, Free Ride)
by Caroline Savery 06 Feb '11

06 Feb '11

Hi everyone! I'm writing from Free Ride, Pittsburgh PA's own bike collective. We have once monthly meetings, and consist of general users, a member support base, and collective council members who have to have substantial involvement in order to participate in decision-making. Collective council members generally number 10-18 people. http://www.freeridepgh.org Our group is currently dealing with situation that's new to us: a person who lives in Pittsburgh and who is the leader of a small bike mechanics educational initiative in India has been publicly accused of multiple sexual assaults. This person receives minor in-kind support for his India project from Free Ride. In December, he was asked privately by survivors of his alleged sexual assault to participate in a restorative justice process. At first he agreed, but later backed out of what he was asked to do. As a result, the survivor-initiated restorative justice process has gone public with their accusations in an effort to protect the community. As I understand it, the accused person rarely, if ever, is actually *in* Free Ride using the shop. He is only involved through having asked us for support for his India bike initiative (which is still a pretty rad project). So, Free Ride is trying to decide how we should respond to this situation. We want to support the India project, but we also strongly prioritize our community's health. We are inclined to support any reasonably transparent and respectful community accountability process by the very nature of our own non-hierarchical, community-building organization. We are disturbed that this person whom we support is backing out of a community justice process that has been requested of him. We are also concerned, of course, by the accusations themselves. We haven't made any decisions yet, besides asking this person to send us a written statement addressing our concerns about him backing out of the accountability process, if he wants to receive continued support from us (though we are not guaranteeing him continued support). We are inclined to ask what the people in the restorative justice process wants us to do--maybe they don't want their process to affect this person's professional affairs, maybe they do... Does anyone have any advice on how their organization has handled a situation like this? Where someone in their community was called out publicly for abusive behavior outside of the shop and/or outside of their direct involvement with your organization? What did you take into consideration when drawing the line between supporting someone and protecting others? How did you handle it? What were the results? Also, on a separate but related note, Free Ride is trying to develop its own strong Code of Conduct for our shop (long overdue!) We want the language to be firm and to reflect our anti-oppression values. Our goal in creating a Code of Conduct is create a safe space for all users to learn and share knowledge about bicycle mechanics. If anyone has any suggestions for language to include in our Code of Conduct, please let us know. We could really use your advice... thanks so much! Cheers, Caroline If you want, you can e-mail me privately at carolinesavery [at] gmail.com.

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saint accountants
by andrew 06 Feb '11

06 Feb '11

greetings thinktank, does anyone know any accountants possessing saint-like graciousness that might be willing to talk me through what the hell to do for our taxes. we deal, with SOOOO little money, but yet are a corporation, and the process is daunting. i have been searching locally and might find someone but thought maybe someone on the list has someone (even if far away) who is awesome. not looking for free... just someone down with the cause and understanding of the legal grey areas we find ourselves in. please email me personally if this rings any bells. anyone _at_ breathingplanet.net thanks Andrew Lynn Troy Bike Rescue

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Art plz!
by Dugan Meyer 03 Feb '11

03 Feb '11

Hey! We just announced our Winter Workshop Series at MoBo Bike Co-op in Cincinnati. Our poster is sweet. ThinkTank is pretty damn cool too, and all the knowledge gems that get shared are super useful, but where's all the art? I know you folks have some awesome images out there in your shops or on your hard drives. Anyone care to warm up the listserv a bit by sharing some of it here? Dugan MoBo Bike Co-op, Cincinnati

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Non-discrimination/anti-racism policy
by John Barrett 03 Feb '11

03 Feb '11

Any one have an effective Non-discrimination/anti-racism policy that the Good Life Community in Calgary could borrow/copy/steal? Thank you - I couldn't find one on the wiki -- John Barrett The Good Life Community Bicycle Shop / Two Wheel View - Calgary / The Organic Saskatoon & Iron Orchard jonny(a)goodlifebikes.ca 403.619.2648

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With My Own Two Wheels
by Dave Bourgeois 03 Feb '11

03 Feb '11

ThinkTankers- I was fortunate to attend the premiere screening of With My Own Two Wheels last night. http://www.withmyowntwowheels.org/ This beautiful film showcases "the bicycle as a vehicle for change around the world", as illustrated through five personal stories enabled through organizations like yours. The filmmakers are interested in showing it at community bike shops (and other venues). I hope you can see it. Dave Bourgeois Treasurer, Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition/Bici Centro

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Non-discrimination/anti-racism policy
by Mendy Evans 03 Feb '11

03 Feb '11

Hi, John. A couple of the foundations here in Denver, Colorado provide good sample non-discrimination policies... The Denver Foundation @ http://www.denverfoundation.org/foundation/page/mission.vision.values *Our Anti-Discrimination Policy* The Denver Foundation shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and provision of services. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado @ http://www.gayandlesbianfund.org/grants/application-resources/nondiscrimina… *Sample Nondiscrimination Policy* This policy states [Organization Name]’s position on discrimination. This policy applies to all [Organization Name] employees, volunteers, members, clients, and contractors. [Organization Name] follows an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, disability status, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status. This policy also applies to internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, outside vendors, members and customers, service clients, use of contractors and consultants, and dealings with the general public. I realize these might be USA-centric, but I hope this helps in some small way. -Mendy -- *Mendy Evans *Development Director The Bike Depot cell: 720-331-5282 find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheBikeDepot *The Bike Depot is a nonprofit community bike shop that offers a wide range of bicycling programs, services and products. Visit us online at www.thebikedepot.org or come by the shop at 2825 Fairfax St. in Denver.* **

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automated response
by jay 02 Feb '11

02 Feb '11

I'm out of the office Monday 1/31/11. I'll get back to you when I return. Best, Jay Ferm

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Grease Pit progress
by wiloh＠riseup.net 02 Feb '11

02 Feb '11

Hey all, I've got some info in response to Geoff B's question from a week back. The Grease Pit has moved into a new building at 2750 Bloomington Ave in South Minneapolis. The opening date has not been set due to a couple of setbacks. Before we can open the doors we have to work out major problems with the heating system and then seal and contain the lead painted walls. Our rent on the space is $550 a month, and though we've worked out a potential work-for-rent deal with our landlord, things are getting tight. Any other questions can be sent to greasepitbikeshop(a)gmail.com. Me or somebody else will answer off list. Thanks for being there bike collectives, Will O / GPBS

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Sibley Bike Depot (St. Paul, MN) Hiring
by Jason Tanzman 02 Feb '11

02 Feb '11

Hey everyone, Sibley Bike Depot. a not-for-profit community bike shop in St. Paul, MN is hiring a *Youth Programs Coordinator*. See the job description and application instructions here: http://www.sibleybikedepot.org/blog/jtanzman/110118/sibley-bike-depot-hiring. The Coordinator will be the point person for Sibley's Junior Mechanics classes throughout the spring and summer, and manage our new Apprenticeship program. Funding for the position is confirmed through October but we're optimistic about making this a year-round position. Please consider applying today. Jason -- Sibley Bike Depot Development and Outreach Coordinator 612-232-2737 (cell) 651-222-2080 (shop) www.sibleybikedepot.org Sibley Bike Depot's mission is to be an open, accessible space to educate and empower people to use bicycles as transportation, helping to build a sustainable environment and community. Volunteer with us to help build a bicycling movement in the Twin Cities!

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Nice Present
by jim 01 Feb '11

01 Feb '11

This really works http://barterpig.com/info.html Enjoy it!

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